A Garda was fined £200 and banned from driving for six months after a court heard yesterday that he drove through a checkpoint and a few minutes later was found drinking in a nearby pub.
James McQuaid, Highfield Lawns, Swords, Co Dublin, denied dangerous driving and failing to stop. He is stationed at Whitehall.
The incident occurred on Griffith Avenue on December 28th/29th, 1998. Just before midnight, gardai saw Mr McQuaid's car approach and build up speed, slowing down momentarily before accelerating away again.
They drove after the car and outside the Cat and Cage they saw a car fitting its description. They found the owner to be James McQuaid.
Sgt Charlie McConalogue arrived and spoke to McQuaid.
Mr McQuaid said he had been in the pub since 10.10 p.m.
At one point, Mr McQuaid walked away from the Sergeant and shouted "I have been drinking here since 10.10 p.m."
Judge Sean MacBride convicted McQuaid after he was told the accused would not be giving evidence. He set leave to appeal in McQuaid's own bond of £200.